Case loader



July 15, 1941- J. L. FERGUSON CASE LOADER Original Filed May 3, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheel 1 mrs', MWMM /7 July 15 1941..

` J. L. FERGUSON CASE LOADER Original Filed May 3, 1937 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 -..8 l JS Julyls, 1941. J. 1 FEGUsONj 1 f :1,249,201:

. cAsE LOADER Original Filed May 3, 193'?v f 13 Sheetis-Sheet July 15, 1941. L. FERGUsoN CASE LOADER Original Filed May 3, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 MM w m July 15, 1941. J.,L FERGUSON CASE LOADER original Filed My 5, 1957' 13 sheets-sheet 5 July l5, 1941. J. L.A FERGl-JsoNA cAsE LOADER f origirial Filed May 3, i195? 15 shdets-she'et 7 J. l. FERGUSON Julyg15, 15941,

' l CASE LOADER "originar Filed Mayl 3. l19?7 `li' shet's-'sneetfsrx i "'fffm'yf .NW

July l5, 1941. FERGUSON CASE LOADER Original Filed May 3, 1937 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 July 15, 1941'.

J. 1 FERGUSONv CASE LOADER Original Filed May 5, 1937 al] r a SQ Q uw /w m M, O Q m M xi! v J; 'LL' FERGUSON CASE` LOADER vOrigirlalliledMay, 1937 13 Sheets-Shefl 11 r, l fw. mli

July Vl5,` 1941.

July'"v 1941. Jpn.. FERGUSN l CASE LOADER originall Filed May 5, '1937 13 sheets-sheet 12 l I7; vena?" A v BY/Milf yay/5071,

July11,1941.` J. L FERGUSON 2,249,201

CASE LOADER `.Original Filed May 5, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 13 Patented July 15, 1941 CASE LoAnn John L. Ferguson, Joliet, lll., assigner to J. L. Ferguson Company, Joliet, lll., a corporation of Illinois Original application May 3, 1937, Serial No. 140,467. Divided and this application May 24, 1940, Serial No. 336,925

9 Claims.

This invention relates to case-loading machines, and more particularly to machines arranged to receive containers on a suitable conveyor forming a part of the machine, and automatically segregate a plurality of groups of containers and insert each group simultaneously into a squared out case at a corresponding loading station.

The present application is a division of an application Serial No. 140,467, iiled May 3, 1937.

The present invention contemplates an automatic machine having a plurality of case-loading stations or zones to each of which'a collapsed case is moved from a supply, and at which zones each case is squared out in a manner to receive a group of containers therein, each group preferably forming a complete layer. In the present embodiment, each group completely lls the case into which it is inserted.

The embodiment herein illustrated and described comprises a magazine for holding a supply of collapsed cases, and a horizontal container positioned under the magazine is intermittently moved to remove two vcollapsed cases from the magazine and move them to corresponding t spaced loading zones. At these loading zones, automatically operated vacuum cups are arranged to simultaneously engage the top and bottom of the `collapsed containers, and the top vacuum cups, after engagement, move upwardly at a speed varying in accordance with the forward movement of the bottom of the case so that each case is squared out transversely of the machine at its respective loading zone, at which time the conveyor is automatically stopped to enable loading of the containers into the cases.

When the cases are completely squared out the upper corners are engaged by a suitable conveyor which cooperates with the lower conveyor to continue the movement and discharge of the cases from the machine after they are loaded with containers.

The containers are fed to loading position by means of a suitable conveyor located on one side of the machine and parallel with the case conveyor. In the present embodiment, this container conveyor moves four rows of closely adjacent containers to a loading position. A series of electrical switches is provided adjacent the ends of the rows and 'these switches are in series in a controlling circuit which, when the switches are all closed, causes the operation of the loading devices to move a group of contain-k ers into each squared out case. The pressure of the can in eachrow, when the row is illled, closes its corresponding switch so that when all of the rows are iilled the loading operation lis automatically started.

The operation of the container conveyor is continuous. However, as soon as the switches are closed to start the loading operation, the containers are lifted slightly from the conveyor chains and a rearwardmovement of lugs-engaging the containers segregates a group of containers in the vertical plane of each loading device.

The machine is provided with a single longitudinal cam shaft, the operation of which is controlled by the closing of the container switches previously mentioned. These switches. whenv closed, energize a solenoid which permits the engagement of a clutch between the cam shaft and the main driving transmission, and the cam shaft then completes one revolution after which the clutch is again disengaged to permit new-groups of containers to be assembled at the loading zone. Transverse plungers are operated during each rotation of the cam shaft and these plungers are provided with heads having a plurality of automatically operated vacuum cups thereon, and the plungers are normally positioned above the con-- tainer conveyor so that groups of containers may be assembled thereunder. During the rotation of the cam shaft the vacuum cup heads move downwardly, each vacuum cup engages one of the containers, and the vacuum heads are then moved to bring the containers into alignment with the squared out cases. The plungers then move forwardly to move each entire group into its associated case.

During the movement of the containers into alignment with the case, a flap opener automatically operates to move the bottom flap of the case downwardly to provide clearance for the containers which are moving upwardly into alignment with the case.

Provision is also made for automatically stopping the operation of the machine if one or more of the cases fails to properly open or if a case is not vmoved to loading position. This lcomprises normally closed electrical switches arranged to open a control circuit if the case is properly squared out in each zone. After the switches controlled by the containers are closed and the clutch is thereby engaged to cause a rotation of the cam shaft, the raising ofthe containers will release these switches and break the circuit before the containers are moved suillciently to be inserted into a case. However, during this rais` ing movement the case conveyor operates to distimer switch caml and the closed case switch,

and this solenoid causes the disengagement of the cam shaft clutch after one-half revolution, so that the plungers do not complete their loading operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine of the character described which will be completely automatic in operation and may be operated at comparatively high speed.

A further object is the provision of a new and novel type of container conveyor and grouping mechanism which'may be operated at comparatively high speed, and by which groups of containers may be accurately segregated and positioned at the desired loading zone.

It is a further object to provide a machine of the character described in which the loading operation is controlled by the proper assembly of containers at the loading zone.

Another object is the provision of a new and novel type of squaring out mechanism in which the squaring out may be accomplished substantially entirely by the use of vacuum means in connection with a moving conveyor for moving the collapsed cases to their respective loading zones.

Further objects will be apparent from the specification and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the invention, parts being broken away for purposes of illustration.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 with the loading plungers and supports therefor broken away to better illustrate the container conveyor and grouping mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the electrical control whereby the loading operation may be controlled by the containers and squared out cases;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on a line substantially corresponding to line (-4 of Fig. 1 and illustrates the driving mechanism and clutch control for the case conveyor.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the clutch control mechanism for controlling the case conveyor.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the clutch control mechanism illustrated in Fig. 5 with the clutch shaft and control link shown in section and taken on a line substantially corresponding to. line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 'l is a transverse sectional view through the main cam shaft clutch and illustrates the electrical control therefor. v K Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation of the case squaring out mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on Fig.` 10 is a side elevation of the lower vac- 75 uum cup controlling means and illustrates the means for preventing tilting of the rubber-vacuum cup by the collapsed case as it is being moved to the squared out position by the conveyor, the conveyor ilight and collapsed case being shown in sections.

trated in Fig. 11, and illustrates the .mechanismy for moving the container supporting racks and for raising the containers from the conveyor chains.

Fig. 14 isA a. transverse sectional view through the container conveyor frame' and taken on a line substantially corresponding to line ll-II of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional view through the container conveyor and-taken on a line substantially corresponding to line I5-l5 lof Fig. 11. 'I'his view illustrates the normal position of the parts before the containers have been raised from the chains. I

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, but illustrates the racks in raised position, whereby the containers are raised from the conveyor chains.

Fig. 17 is a top view and illustrates the pressure roller for contacting with the top of the containers to assist in moving them to loading position.

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view through one of the loading zones and illustrates the loading carriage and vacuum cup head in its' normal -stop position over the container conveyor.

.Fig. 19 is a. transverse sectional view similar to that illustrated in Fig. 18, but illustrates the vacuum cup head after it has been moved downwardly toengage a group of containers, the position ofI the carriage and other operating parts vwith the containers completely inserted in Athie case being -illustrated in dotted lines.

Fig. 20 is a back view of one of the container loading heads and carriage therefor. l

Fig. 21 is a side elevation of the valve mechanism for controlling the vacuum. for operating the case opening cups and the container loader cups.

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the vertically and longitudinally -movable rack for raising the containers from the conveyor chains by vertical movement, and for segregating the groups oi containers by longitudinal movement of the rack.

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary cross sectional view through the rack and taken `on a line substantially corresponding to linen-2l of Fig. 23.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the embodiment illustrated comprises a frame I, on which substantially the entire mechanism is supported.

A magazine 2 is supported adjacent one end of the machine and arranged to receive a supply of collapsed cases 3. An intermittently movable longitudinal conveyor, comprising chains l, having spaced case-engaging iiights 5, ex-

tends under the magazine, and the collapsed cases rest thereon. These flights are so spaced on the conveyor chains 4 thatthe intermittent movement of the conveyor will cause them to move two cases from the magazine and correctly position each consecutive case for the loading operationy and for other operations connected with the proper functioning of the machine.

'I'he chains 4 are mounted on suitable sprockets secured to transverse shafts 8 and 1, rotatably mounted in suitable bearings at the front and rear of the machine respectively. A motor 8 is mounted on the frame as illustrated, and a suitable transmission is provided between the motor and the case conveyor 4 -whereby the conveyor may be intermittently operated, although the operation of the motor may be conf tinuous.

The conveyor transmission comprises a transverse shaft 9 which is driven from the motor by means of a belt l and pulley II, the latter secured to the shaft. A pinion I2 is also secured to the shaft and is in mesh with a. gear I3 secured to a second transverse shaft I4. This shaft I4 is provided with a clutch I5 which is normally disengaged and which is arranged when engaged to drive a sprocket I8 which is loosely mounted on the shaft and comprises the driven member of the clutch. A chain I1 connects the sprocket I6 with a suitable sprocket I8 on the conveyor shaft 6. 'It will therefore be apparent that when the clutch I is engaged,

matically controlled by the proper assembling of the containers'which are to be loaded in the and comprises a horizontal frame or track 31 on the conveyor 4 will be operated to move a plurality of cases from the magazine to their respective loading positions.

The engagement and disengagement of the clutch is automatically controlled by a main cam shaft which is in lturn controlled by the proper assembling of the containers to be loaded. 'I'he control will be described in detail later.

When the cases are moved by the conveyor 4 to the loading stations and squared out by means of a suitable mechanism, the rear top corner of each container is engaged by a flight I9 on a suitable longitudinal conveyor chain 20 posi tioned above the loading stations and supported on an idler sprocket 2I at the discharge end of the machine, and a sprocket 22 secured to a stub shaft 23. The shaft 23 is also provided with a sprocket 24 which is driven from a sprocket 25 by means of a chain 26. The sprocket 25 is secured to a gear 21 which latter is in mesh with a similar gear 28 on the main conveyor drive shaft 6. The conveyor 2Il,` therefore, operates in synchronism with the conveyor 4 to engage the squared out cases and to thereafter cooperate with the conveyor 4 in discharging the loaded cases from the machine.

In order to operate the various mechanisms automatically a main longitudinal cam shaft 29 is mounted inv suitable bearings on the -frame I. This cam shaft is driven from the transverse shaft I4 by means of a chain 30 on the shaft I4 (Fig. l) and sprockets 3l and 32 on the cam shaft I4 and on a transverse shaft 33 respectively. The transverse shaft. 33 is also provided with a beveled pinion 34 meshing with a beveled gear 35 on the cam chaft 29. The beveled gear 35 is loosely mounted on the cam shaft and forms the driving member Vof a clutch 36, the driven member of which is rigidly secured to the cam shaft. It will, therefore, be apparent that when the clutch 36 is engaged, the cam shaft will be driven through the transmission just described.

As previously mentioned, the machine is autowhich is slidably mounted a vacuum cup 38 for the cases to be squared out of the first loading station, and a second vacuum cup 39 for the cases to be squared out at the second loading station. The horizontal frame 31 is supported as illustrated in Fig. 8 on suitable bell cranks 40 and 4 I which are connected together by means of a link 42. The bell crank 48 is provided with an arm 43 having a link 44 secured thereto. The opposite end of this link 44 is secured to a cam lever 45 (Fig. 9) having a roller 48 thereon engaging a cam 41 on the main cam shaft 29. It will, therefore, be seen that, with each revolution of the cam shaft, the frame or track and the vacuum cups thereon will be raised and the cups will contact with the lower surfaces of the collapsed case while thecases are being moved into the loading zones.

The vacuum cups 38 and 39 are slidably mounted on the frame 31 and are connected together by a suitable hollow rod or conduit 48,

which conduit may be connected by means of a' flexible hose to a suitable vacuum source. 'I'he first vacuum cup adjacent the magazine is illustrated particularly in Fig. 10 and is provided with a rearwardly extending bar 49. A pulley 58 is mounted on the frame I31, and a cable 5I is secured to the vacuum cup member and provided with a weight 52 so that, when the vacuum is released from the cups after they have traveled `forwardly to square out the case, the weight will cause the vacuum cups to -be moved rearwardly to their normal position and against a suitable stop.`

l As previously stated, the vacuum cup member 38 is provided with a rearwardly extending arm 49, and, when the vacuum cups are raised to the position shown in'Figs. 9 and l0, the arm 49 is in the path of a downwardly extending lug 53 on the lght 5 of the conveyor chain, each of the flights 5 being provided with one of the lugs 53. 'Ihis lug engaging the arm 49 assists in pushing the vacuum cups along with the collapsed cases until they are squared out, and prevents the vacuum cups from being tilted by the rearward pressure caused by-,the weight 52, and therefore prevents the pulling loose of the vacuum cups from the cases before the cases are completely squared out. As soon as the cases are completely squared out at the loading stations the vacuum is released and the cam 41 (Fig. 9) permits the cups and associated arm 49 to move downwardly out of the path of the conveyor flights. The Weight 52 then moves the cups to their normal position.

When the collapsed cases 35 are engaged by in the raised position illustrated in Figs. V1 and 9 and may be moved downwardly as shown in Fig. 8. This frame is supported on the upper longitudinal framework 55 of the machine on which is supported a plurality of rollers 58 in which the frame is supported and which act as guides for the frame.

As illustrated more clearly in Fig. 8, the frame 54 is provided at its lower end with horizontal bars 51 having adjacent each end thereof a vac,- uum cupv 58, each of which is arranged to engage a collapsed case at its associated squared out station when the frame is moved downwardly. The vacuum cups 58 are connected together by means of a rigid vacuum conduit 59 and are slidably mounted on the rod 51- and normally held in the left hand position illustrated by means of a spring 59a. Thespring is for the purpose of enabling a sliding movement of the vacuum cups on the rod in case of slight variations in the cases, or for other reasons. The rigid conduit 59 between the cups is connected to a suitable vacuum source by-means of a conduit 68. It will be understood that the application of vacuum to the various vacuum cups of the machine is controlled and timed by a suitable valve mechanism, which will be described later.

As will beapparent yfrom Fig. 9, the vacuum cups 58 are in transverse pairs, each pair arranged to engage an associated case to be opened. 'I'he bottom vacuum cups 38 and 39 are located on the central plane of the case, and only one lower cup is used for each case. The vacuum cup frame 54 is normally retained in its raised position by means of a spring 6l connected to a lever 62, which lever is pivoted at 63 and connected to the frame by means of a link 64. A cam 65 is secured to a stub shaft 66 and is driven from the upper conveyor shaft 23 by means of a chain 61 on suitable sprockets. This cam engages a roller68 on the lever 62.` It will, therefore, be apparent that, during the'movement of each pair of collapsed cases to the loading station, the lower vvacuum cups will engage the lower walls of the collapsed cases while the upper vacuum cups will move downwardly and engage the upper walls. The lower cups will then move with the cases toward the squaring out position, while the upper cups will raise the upper wall of each case into engagement with the flights on the upper conveyor chain 28. The conveyor is automatically stopped when the cases are properly squared out,

It will be noted that, while the lower vacuum cups and lower walls of the cases move at a uniform rate, the movement of the upper cups must necessarily substantially uniformly accelerate during the raising movement in order that the upper wall of the casemay move vertically at the squaring out station while the lower wall is moved horizontally to the squared out position. This acceleration is accomplished by means of a proper shaping o f the cam 65, which permits the spring 6| to cause an acceleratingupward movement of they upper vacuum cups.

When the cases are completely squared out,

the upper front corner of each case is engaged by a latch 69 pivoted to the frame 55, these latches being normally retained in the position illustrated by means of springs 18. The resilient latches assist in retaining the cases in squared out position and are suiliciently yieldable to allow the cases to be moved from the loading position during the next operation of the machine.

Fig. illustrates the control means ,for the case conveyor clutch l5, and this clutch may be of the usual type in which a dog is provided for operating a locking pin between the drivins and driven member. This dog is provided with an outwardly extending lug 1l which is normally engaged by a pawl 12 whereby the clutch is normally retained out of engagement. 'Ihe pawl 12 is connected by means of a link 13 to a vertical shaft 14 having an arm 15 thereon, which arm is provided with a link 16 having a roller 11 thereon. This roller is arranged to engage a cam 18 secured to the cam shaft. This cam and roller operation is better illustrated in Fig. 4.

It will be apparent that with each revolution of the cam shaft the conveyor clutch I5 will be engaged over a predetermined portion of the revolution of the cam shaft, and the case conveyor will move sufficiently to carry two of the collapsed cases to their respective loading stations where they will be squared out by the mechanism previously described.

As previously stated, the cam shaft 29 is driven by the beveled gear 35 forming the driving member of the clutch 36, and this beveled gear is in turn drivenby means of a suitable transmission from the motor.v The clutch 36 and control mechanism therefor are illustrated in Fig. 7 and comprise a driven member 19 secured to the cam shaft 29 and provided with the usual clutch engaging dog 80. The beveled gear 35, which forms th driven member, is provided with a plurality of notches 8|, any one of which may receive the dog 88. 'I'he dog is provided with an outwardly extending lug 82 which is normally engaged lby a. pawl 83 pivoted on the frame of the machine.

This pawl 83 normally retains the clutch disengaged, but may be released to permit engagement by means of a solenoid 84 which, when energized, willmove the pawl to the dotted line position and lpermit one revolution of the cam shaft. Normally, the cam shaft rotates one revolution in order to move the cases to the loading position; square out the cases; segregate groups of containers; and load these groups into the cases. However, if the cases are not properly squared out or a case is not moved to a loading position, it is desirable to stop the machine before the cam shaft has completed its revolution in order that the-containers may not be moved to the loading position unless a case is properly squared out to receive them. In order to automatically stop the cam shaft after a half revolution, if the case is not properly squared out, a second pawl 85 is pivoted on the frame as illustrated, and may be controlled by means of a solenoid 86. The electrical controls of these solenoids will be described later.

The pawl 85 is normally in the dotted line position shown when the solenoid 86 is deenergized. However, if a case for any reason is notproperly squared out at the loading station, the solenoid 86 will be energized and the pawl 85 will move to the full line position whereby it will engage the lug 82 of the clutch dog and stop the cam shaft after a half revolution.

The combined "container conveyor and group segregating device is illustrated in detail in Figs. ll to 17, inclusive, and comprises a rigid frame 81, which in the present embodiment is arranged to support four rows of containers 88. .'I'he present embodiment is particularly adapted for use with containers such as the ordinary cocoa cans. These containers are usually provided with a comparatively large depressed cover in one end, such as shown at 89, and the conveyor ls particularly adapted to convey these cans inverted with the top down as shown, and the depression in the cover is used to receive lugs,- which are raised therein in order to move the containers to segregatethe groups. It will, of course, bek understood that the invention is adapted for use with any type of containers having depressed ends, which are suiilciently depressed to permit lugs to be raised therein to move the containers.

As previously stated, the conveyor comprises a rigid frame 81 to support the rows of containers, and this elongated frame is provided at the left hand end. as shown in Fig. 11, with transverse shafts 90 and 9| on which are secured a plurality of sprockets 92 and 93, respectively. Conveyor chains 94 are mounted on these sprockets and support the containers as illustrated in Figs. and 16, and are in turn supported on iixed guides 95, forming a part of the rigid frame. The conveyors are continuously driven from the transverse shaft` 33 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A chain drive is provided from the shaft 33 to the conveyor shaft 90 by means of suitable sprockets and a chain 98. 'I'he right hand end of the conveyor frame (Figs. 11 and-12) extends for some distancebeyond the conveyor chains 94, and the containers are pushed onto this extension by means of the conveyor chains 94 and a transverse roller 91 which is positioned above the containers. This roller 91 is preferably of resilient material such as rubber and is continuously driven by means of a transmission from the conveyor shaft 9|. This transmission comprises gears 98 and suitable sprockets on which is supported a chain 99.

The roller 91 is normally in a position to exert a downward pressure on the tops of the conveyors and assist the chains in assembling the four rows of llontainers onto the forward extending sup- PO The container assembling device as illustrated may be described as comprising two zones as shown by the dotted line brackets C and D, respectively (Figs. 2 and 11), zone C being a. conveyor zone having conveyor chains supported in a fixed position on the frame of the machine; that is, the conveyors are not bodily movable. These chains normally support the containers and convey them toward the grouping zone D. As the containers move from the conveyor chains they are pushed, .by the succeeding chambers, onto fixed supports and between guides forming aystationary part of the frame of the machine in zone D whereby the grouping zone D is filled with closely adjacent containers as shown in Fig. 11.

It is desirable to segregate two groups of containers in zone D so that these groups may easily be moved out of the grouping zone by the loading mechanism and then into the adjacent squared-out cases. The segregated groups are indicated by the full line brackets A and B in Fig. 12. At the same time it is desirable to raise all of the containers remaining in zone C from the conveyor chains on which they are ,supported so that all of th containers except those in group B (Fig. 12) may easily be moved rearwardly, that is, to the left, as shown in Figs. l1 and 12, to segregate the groups and to prevent friction of the chains on the containers.

In order to segregate the groups and substantially simultaneously raise the containers in zone y C from the chains, an elongated skeleton frame or rack (Fig. 23) is positioned under the containers in zones C and D and is arranged to be moved vertically to raise the containers in zone C from the conveyor chains, and is then moved longitudinally to segregate the groups A and B.

In other words, the containers in zone C are normally supported on the conveyor chains and in zone D they are always supported on iixed guide members on the frame of the machine. When the movable rack (Fig. 23) is raised, the containers in zone C are thereby raised-from the loading mechanism forv insertion in the cases,-

the rack is returned to its normal position and the conveyor chains again move containers from zone C onto the fixed supports in zone D.

The rigid frame 81 is provided, vin the segregating zone D. with fixed container-supports |00 (Fig. 14) having upwardly extending thin flanges |0|, which latter extend upwardly between the rows of containers and maintain the containers in alignment when they are pushed from the con- Iveyor chains and onto the fixed supports in zone D. The framel81, including the container supports |00 and aligning flanges |0'|, may rigidly be supported on the frame of the machine by means of brackets 81a and 81h (Figs. .11, 12, and 14). The break between the fixed members |00 and I 0| and the rack members |03 and |03a is shown at the right end'of Fig. 13 and adjacent the left end of Fig. 12.

A vertically and longitudinally movable frame or rack |02 is positioned -below the containers provided with longitudinal 1bars |03 (Figs.l 15, 16, i

and 23) forming supports for the containers in zone C only when the rack is raised. These supports have container spacing and aligning iianges |03a associated therewith. The supports |03 are normally below the plane of the conveyor chains when the rack is in its lowered position and raises all of the containers in zone C from the chains when the rack is raised.

The rack is also provided with longitudinal bars |04 extending under the containers in the grouping zone D and having upwardly extending lugs |05 thereon, these lugs normally being below the containers as shown in Figs. 11 and 24 and extending into the depressed covers 89 of the containers only when the rack is raised. This rack is arranged to automatically be moved upwardly and then longitudinally when the grouping zone is filled with containers, and the lugs |05 enter the depressions in the covers of predetermined containers, as illustrated in Fig. 12, and move them to the left, and thereby separate the containers into groups A and B, which groups may then be removed by theloading mechanism and inserted into the squared out cases. 'I'he rack is then lowered to deposit the containers in zone C onto the conveyor chains whereby zone D will again be filled. 'I'he bars |04 (Fig. 24) never contact the containers and the lugs |05 do not raise them.

The rack is provided with rollers |06 which support the rack for longitudinal movement on suitable tracks forming a part of vertically movable slide members |01. These slide members are guided in suitable guides |08 on the rigid frame of the machine.v The slide members |01 are provided with cam rollers |08, which rollers lalignment with each row of containers.

- appear that, whenever the cam shaft rotates, the

transverse shafts I l will` also be rotated and the cams thereon willlift the movable rack |02, and this rack will lift the containers in zone C slightly from the chains 94 and will `also raise the lugs into the depressions in the covers of the containers. Ihe containers in zone D will not be lifted.` The rubber roller 91 is supported above the containers on the central slide members |01a so that this roller is raised simultaneously with the frame. It will be noted from Figs. 15 and 16 that there is considerable clearance between g the normal low position of the frame and the containers on the chains so that the containers are only slightly raised above the chains, while the rubber roller is raised completely free from` the tops of the containers so that the containers may easily -be moved longitudinally by the groupsegregating lugs |05.

As soon as the rack'is raised by the cams |09, or substantially simultaneous therewith, the rack is moved to the left to cause the lugs |05 to segregate the groups A and B as illustrated in Fig. 12. This longitudinal movement is accomplished by means of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 13, which comprises a link ||5 secured to the rack member and provided, at its opposite end, with a roller ||3 engaging a cam ||1 on one of the transverse shafts ||0. By this mechanism, whenever the cam ||1 is rotated, the rack |02 will be raised and substantially simultaneously move to the left to the position illustrated in Fig. 12 to thereby segregate the two groups of containers A and B.

Fig. 24 illustrates the normal position of the parts in full lines and the approximate position after the rack has been raised is shown in dotted lines.

The right hand end. of the container support as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 11 is provided with a plurality of switches H3, with one switch in These switches are normally open and are in series so that, when all of the rows are filled, the pressure of the containers .will close all of the switches and the main cam shaft will be rotated and the filling operation accomplished.

The wiring diagram is illustrated in Fig. 3and includes case controlled switches ||9 and |20,

which are normally closed and are arranged tobe opened by the squared out cases when they are properly squared out at the loading stations. 'I'hese switches are illustrated in Fig. 8, and it will be apparent that, when the cases are properly squared, all of these switches will be open.

The wiring diagram comprises the conductors |2| which are connected to any suitable power source, and the series switches ||0 for the containers are also in series with thesolenoid 34 illustrated in Fig. '1 so that, when all four rows of containers are properly assembled, the solenoid 84 will be energized and permit the engagement of the cam shaft clutch 36 in order that the cam shaft may complete a revolution and thereby load a group of containers into'the cases.

Before the cam shaft has rotatedv one-half l.v

revolution, the cases are completely squared out, and, inthe event that any case does not properly square out and open all of the switches ||9 and |20, a timer cam |22, which may also be mounted on the cam shaft, closes a switch |23, which is in series with the case switches I9 and |20. The solenoid 33 is in series with these switches and also with the switch |23, and therefore, if any one of the case switchesis closed, the solenoid 33 will be operated and prevent the further operation of the cam shaft and thereby stop the loading operation.

The loading mechanism for moving the groups of containers into the cases is illustrated in Figs. 18 to 20, inclusive. Each loading mechanism comprises a carriage |24 supported for reciprocation on suitable guide rods |25, which arein turn supported on the frame The carriage is reciprocated by means of a lever |26 oscillatably mounted on a shaft |21 and connected to the carriage by means of a link |20. The lever |20 is connected to an eccentric |29 on the cam shaft by means of an arm |30. It will, therefore, be seen that, with every revolution of the cam shaft 29, the carriage |24 will be reciprocated to and from the case.

The carriage is provided with a vacuum cup head |3| having vacuum cups |32 thereon, one

of which engages each of the containers in its associated group when the head is moved downwardly so that the cups can contact therewith. The vacuum head |3| is supported on 4vertical rods |33 which are slidably mounted in brackets |34 secured to an oscillatable shaft |35. Springs |33 normally tend to retain the head in the raised position illustrated in Fig. 18.

The head is provided with across bar |31, and the link |23, which is pivoted on the carriage at |38, is provided with an upwardly extending arm |39, which arm is connected by means of a slotted link |40 to an upwardly extending arm |4| on an oscillatable shaft |42. 'Ihis shaft |42 vis provided, as shown particularly in Fig. 19, with an arm |43 secured thereto and having a roller |44 thereon, which is. normally positioned above the cross bar |31, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 18.

At the beginning of the cam shaft movement. the lever |26 for reciprocating the carriage moves slightly downward to the. position indicated in Fig. 19, and this movement causes the lever |43 and roller thereon to be moved downwardly and thereby force the vacuum cup head |31 downwardly to cause the vacuum cups to engage the containers. Simultaneously with this engagement, the vacuum is applied so that, when the head is raised, the containers may be raised therewith. v

The carriage |24 is provided with an arm |45 pivoted at |46. This arm is provided with a roller |41 which engages a cam rail |48. This cam rail, at its outward end, is provided with a downwardly extending pocket |49 in which the cam yroller |41 moves during movement of the carriage. The lever |45 is connected to the oscillatable shaft |35 which supports the head, by means of a link |50, and an arm |5| on the shaft. By means of this arrangement, when the cam shaft rotates and the arm |23 is moved to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 19, the vacuum head |3| will be moved through an arcuate path into axial alignmentwith the case to be loaded.

'I'he movement of the vacuum cup head during one revolution of the cam shafty is as follows.

The normal position of the head is shown in Fig.

y 18, and, as soon as the cam shaft starts to rotate, the head moves downwardly to cause the vacuum cups to engage the containers, and is then released by the raising of the lever |43 and the cups lift the containers from the conveyor.-

The head then moves in an arcuate path into axial alignment with the case and is then inserted in the case by a longitudinal movement.

Before the containers are moved into alignment with the case, the lower flap |52 of the case is moved downwardly by means of an arm |53 pivoted at |54. This arm is connected by means of a link |55 to an arm |56 having a roller 51 thereon. 'I'his roller engages a cam |58 (Fig. 18), so that, as the containers are raised, the flap |52 is moved out of the arcuate path of the containers. The arm |53 is returned to its normal position by means of spring |59.

Figs. 21 and 22 illustrate a valve mechanism for controlling-the application of vacuum to the various cups. 'Ihis mechanism comprises cams |60 on the main cam shaft and these cams control levers |6| to open and close inlet valves |62 and exhaust valves |63. A conduit |64 leads to the case opening cups and a second conduit |65 leads to the container cups. It will be apparent that these cams and levers may be timed to open and close the valve as desired to control the operation of the cups.

In the present embodiment. a single group of containers completely lls the cases, and, as soon as they are iilled, the filled cases are discharged from the machine by the same movement of the case conveyor which moves the collapsed cases to the loading stations. During the discharge of the cases from the machine, the forward flap on one end of the case is closed by a shoe |66, and substantially simultaneously the rear flap is closed by an arm |61 on a vertical shaft |68. l This shaft |68 is operated byV means of a cam |69 driven by the transverse conveyor shaft 1, to which it is connected by a suitable gear train. The cam is in engagement with a roller |10 on a pivoted lever |1| to which the arm |61 is connected by means of a link |12. The top and bottom aps are folded in by means yof the curved shoes |13.

The i'llled 'cases are moved outwardly onto a tilting table |14 which is provided with rollers |15 to support the cases. When both cases are completely on the table, the table is tilted by suitable means to turn the cases 45 and deposit them on a suitable conveyor where they may be conveyed to a sealing machine, or otherwise disposed of.

It will be apparent that modifications may be made without departing from the 'spirit of the invention, and it is, therefore, desired that the invention should be limited only by the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed and desired tovbe secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A case loader comprising means for moving collapsed cases to a loading station, and means for squaring out said cases at said loading station, said squaring out means comprising vacuum cup means arranged to engage the bottom wall of said case and travel therewith toward said loading station, and a vertically movable vacuum cup means arranged to engage the top wall of each of said collapsed cases and to move said top wall substantially vertically at said station while the bottom wall is moved horizontally to- -completely square out the case."

vacuum cup means arranged to engage the top wall of each of said collapsed cases and to move said top wall substantially vertically at said station and at a substantially uniformly accelerated rate while the bottom wall is moved horizontally at a substantially constant speed to completely square out the case.

3. In a machinel of the character described having a case loading station and means for loading containers `into squared outcases at said loading station, the combination of a yconveyor for moving collapsed cases, a squaring out mechanism associated with said conveyor, said` squaring out mechanism comprising a vacuum cup for engaging the bottom wall of a case and movable with said case to prevent displacement of said wall relative to said conveyor, and second vacuum cup positioned above said conveyor and arranged to engagethe top wall of said case, said second cup being movablevvertically to raise said top wall in the axial plane of said loading station while the-lower wall of said case moves transversely of saidplane to square out said case in loading position.

4. In a machine of the `character described having a case loading station and means for loading containers into squared out cases at said loading station, the combination of a conveyor for moving collapsed cases, a squaring out mechanism associated with said conveyor, said squaring out mechanism comprising a vacuum cup for engaging the bottom wall of a case and movable with said case to prevent displacement of said wall relative to said conveyor, means cooperating between saidcup and said conveyor to prevent side strain on said cup during movement and releasable when said case is squared out to enable return of said cup to normal position, a second vacuum cup positioned above said conveyor and arranged to engage the top wall of said case, said second cup being movable vertically to raise said top wall in the axial plane of said loading station while the lower wall of said case moves transversely of said plane to` square out said case in loading position.

5. In a `machine of the character described, having a magazine for holding a stock of collapsed cases, a conveyor for moving consecutive cases from said magazineto a loading station,

ymeans for squaring out a case at the loading station, a longitudinal track under saidconveyor, a vacuum cup slidably mounted on said track, and normally positioned between said magazine and said loading station, means tending to retain said cup in its normal position and tending to return it to said normal position when it is moved therefrom, means to raise said track and cup thereon to cause the engagement of said cup with the bottom wall of a moving collapsed case to prevent displacement of said wall relative to said conveyor, means cooperating between said cup and said conveyor when said cup is engaged to cause forward pressure on said cup and prevent tilting thereof and consequent release from said case, means to relieve the vacuum in said cup when said case is squared out 

